When we hear about knitting, our mind usually draws a picture of an old lady, resting in an arm-chair, knitting socks for her grandchildren. But it is not actually true. This hobby is enjoying a revival today and a lot of young people can create real masterpieces.
The first sample of real knitting, cotton socks, was made in Egypt in the beginning of Common Era. In the 16th century in Paris knitting was considered man-only occupation (en.wikipedia.org). Later it spread in the country, where people could easily get all they needed for knitting. Since then knitting has gone in and out of fashion many times and, as I have already mentioned, it is quite popular today.
If you are an experienced knitter, you can choose from a variety of needles and yarn and create exquisite patterns. But if you have just started, you should know the basic ideas.
There are three main types of needles. If you want to knit a flat fabric, you choose two straight needles pointed at one end, and with a cap at the other end to prevent stitches from falling off. For circle knitting you can choose either straight, double-pointed knitting needles or circular needles, which are long, flexible double-pointed needles connected by a strand. Knitting needles are usually made out of metals, wood, bamboo, and plastic. If you are a beginner, you had better choose bamboo needles, because they offer more friction and you will not drop stitches.
There is also a great variety of yarn of different colours, structure and thickness. If you are knitting winter clothes, you had better choose thick woolen yarn to make it warm. But if you are knitting summer clothes, you need thin cotton or synthetic fabrics.
And the last but not the least thing needed is scheme, where all steps of knitting are described. You can get all you need for knitting in a special store or online. As soon as you get needles, yarn and scheme you can start knitting. Knitting is a process of pulling new loops through existing ones, which are held on a needle.
This hobby is usually associated with women, though some men are very good at it too. One more interesting fact is that knitting used to be an activity for just one person, but now girls and women get together and socialize during their work. They can also show their works and share new ideas on different knitting websites.
Alongside with creating unique works, knitters get lots of other benefits. First of all, knitting helps to prevent and manage stress as people relax while doing repetitive actions. Second of all, you can show your individuality by creating new models. Third of all, if you are a housewife, expecting or having a baby, you can knit not only clothes, but also toys for your child and be sure that there is nothing inside or outside that can be dangerous for a baby. Finally, knitting is good for those who want to participate in charity programs or vice versa, to earn some money by knitting to order.
Works Cited
“Knitting.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Jan. 2014. Web. 15 Mar. 2014
